PL MINUTES 05151979 - Laserfiche WebLink

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additional set backs were needed on all three sides to maximize the • use of the site to provide thirty 10x20 foot parking spaces . He pointed out the hardiness of the ground cover planned for the planted areas and named the types of "major size" trees to be placed on the lot which are also named and described on the site plan , along with existing trees to be retained as well . The lighting which is to be erected as a safety measure for employees who work at night, will be low level and directed in such a manner as not to be an annoyance to the residents across the street. Mr. Meyers agreed with Mr. Klick that arrangements could be made to turn the lights off later in the evening. Five Minneapolis residents were present to voice their opposition to placing the entrance to the lot on Lowry Avenue where they felt there was already too . much traffic generated by Kentucky Fried Chicken and the PDQ building, just east of this lot, who also have driveways off Lowry. They were concerned whether the snow plowed from the lot would be dumped on their side of the street as had been the practice for the other two businesses. These included Esther Baker and Donald Best who live at 2341 and 2342 Taft Street N.E . , another man who said he lived at 2338 Taft Street N.E. , and Helen Kara, 2343 Roosevelt Street N.E. The hearing was recessed from 7 : 55 p.m. to 8 p.m. to give Mr. Johnson an opportunity to show the residents the plans and discuss their concerns . • When the hearing was resumed, Mr. Fornell explained that comments regarding the use of the area as a parking lot, per se , should be considered out of order since the hearing was scheduled only regarding the setback variances without which the bank could utilize the lot for any commercial purpose it chose. He answered Mrs . Kara ' s objec- tion to "St. Anthony allowing an entrance to the parking lot from a Minneapolis street" by telling her he was certain St. Anthony had participated in the assessment of that street as had the two busi- nesses who were accused of generating traffic. He also cautioned residents that they might find a parking lot less objectionable than other uses which might be developed there because of the property ' s C-Commercial zoning. The Public Hearing was closed at 8: 10 p.m. for comments from Board and staff. Mr. Fornell told the Board he will contact the owners of the two businesses, who were the target of the residents ' complaints , regarding their trash disposal and snow removal . Mr. Jones said he had no objections to the variances as requested, but felt there was a need for better screening of the lot from the residential across Lowry. He also said he was certain the bank officials would be re- sponsive to any complaints regarding their employees ' use of the lot. All Board members expressed concern for the safety of those who cross Kenzie Terrace to reach the bank and Mr . Bjorklund felt the bank should provide some type of sidewalk across the planted area for • the handicapped. I